10 Questions with ... Ski

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

After high school, started working for the State Of Wisconsin....was not into the corporate thing. So I went to Broadcasting School to learn how to be a DJ! I was hired by Blake Patton and Randy Hawke in June of 2002, as a part-timer. In 2004 I was promoted to Promotions Director. And in 2010 Blake Patton retired and I took over the APD/Music Director duties at WJJO and added the same duties at WRIS in 2017.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

I have always loved music and all the things involved. Radio was the first way I was exposed to music.

2. After rising from Promotions Director to APD at Active Rock WJJO eight years ago, how does it feel to add the same duties at new sister Alternative WRIS 106.7 The Resistance?

It feels amazing! My first love will always be rock, but being a part of building a station from the ground up is a once in a life time experience! It is a rush like no other. And learning the ins and outs of a new format is an amazing challenge.

3. What is a typical day like for you?

BUSY! Emails/voice mails get checked. Scheduling music. Music calls. Setting up interviews and in studios for both stations. Working with our Promotions Director, Kristi, on promo for the stations. On-air shift. Client meetings.

4. Give us the 411 on 106.7 The Resistance and how has the station evolved since signing on in the Fall 2017.

It's an Alternative station built and run for the Madison people. It was a learning curve for all of us involved. We are currently growing our data base and getting great listener interaction. Educating the people about The Resistance and its features is still a major priority. With our amazing partnership with local promoters and venues, we have had great shows in town and the people are excited!

5. What makes the station unique?

Madison is unique; I think we are able to play a wide-variety of music for this alternative audience. They are more receptive to new and different. Our listener feedback has been amazing and with our real time research platform (Mixxer) listeners can tell us right away what they like and don't like.

6. What do you love most about working at Mid-West Family Broadcasting?

The people! The freedom we have in programming is incredible. Our company believes in its programmers and lets us do real radio! I've been here for 16 years. I never wanna leave.

7. How would you describe yourself as an APD?

Tough question to answer. I would have to say...not as organized as I should be. But LOVE my work and the people I work with. Always want what is gonna make the stations better...

8. What are music meeting like at 106.7 The Resistance?

FUN! Love listening to new music. Being involved in the process that makes this station so great.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

COFFEE & Music.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I love reading cheesy ass romance novels and love horrible, low budget movies.

How did you get the nickname Ski?

Wicked skiing accident when I was in high school.

What are weekends like for you?

Family, family, family....soccer games, boating, fishing, anything to be out doing stuff with my fam.

What are your hobbies?

Reading, writing, fishing, camping, boating, skiing, relaxing with friends.

First record ever purchased?

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" on vinyl

First concert?

Metallica! On the black album tour in Madison, WI. Ingrained my love of live music.

Favorite band of all-time?

Yikes...I would have to say Metallica, with Slayer, Hatebreed, Marilyn Manson and Skid Row and so many more all tied for second. But it is almost impossible for me to pick a favorite one.